Infographics: Information and design combined

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Some of my favorite updates on Twitter come from Web Design News, and I am constantly clicking on the links they post. A particular link the other day became an immediate favorite and was quickly bookmarked on my browser. I was led to The Infographics Showcase, a collection of infographics from all over the web. After a subsequent search in Google, I lost about two hours of my afternoon in looking at these well-designed graphics that display large amounts of interesting information. Now I ponder what I can make one about.

A few to take a look at:
- One of the weirdest and yet most intriguing is The Human Tongue Infographic.
- An infographic that might make you think twice about recycling is How Much Do We Really Recycle?
- After being a teacher, one of my favorite infographics is Education By The Numbers.

Halloween project hunting

My goal for this Halloween is to infuse a little extra creativity into the traditional aspects of the holiday. In order to achieve any of these, it requires a little early planning. So I'm starting some of my online hunting for creative ideas that I can put my own twist on.

This is what I've found so far:

1) Carve-by-color pumpkins from Martha Stewart

 

 Night owl pumpkin

 Faux-bois pumpkin

2) Fright on the fridge from Better Homes and Gardens

3) Deadman's finger sandwiches from Disney Family

4) Halloween yarn wreath from Hilarie's Random Stuff (and seen on Stretch My Check)

If you have created or seen anything that you would like to share, send it my way!

Friday image roundup: Bright colors and rainbows

We are officially welcoming October with another gray and dreary day (the sixth in a row, I think)... so instead of feeling gloomy, I decided to feature some cheeriness today. Enjoy!

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On another cheery note: My honey and I have been married for two months! Since there isn't a 31st of September, I suppose the 1st of October will do. I love being his Mrs. :)

Delicious dinner: Chicken casserole

I have previously mentioned my love for autumn temperatures, which today is something that translates into a perfect cool weather meal. Each time I've made it, I have received rave reviews and barely had any leftovers. This three cheese penne with chicken and broccoli casserole is perfect for with a side salad, Italian bread, and a white wine.

Next time I make this recipe, I'd like to add corn to the mix. You could also add peas, carrots, or celery to try a few varieties of the original.

Now for the recipe -- click on the picture below and print. Take it to the kitchen & you're ready! Try the recipe this weekend and I'd love to know how it turns out for you!

Reduce, reuse, and upcycle

As I browse on Etsy and other online shops, I find so many items for sale that have been "upcycled" -- making new uses for old materials. I love the concept because it is something that naturally makes sense. Why throw the spaghetti jar away if it might possibly have a new life as something else?

On the Re-Nest website, I discovered a gem of 49 Creative Reuse Ideas that inspired me to take a look at my attic's holdings with fresh eyes.

One of my favorite upcycled items is this repurposed printer drawer jewelry hanger.

I adore almost anything made with chalkboard paint. In our next house (at least two years down the road at this point), I would love to have a wall or cupboard in the kitchen painted with chalkboard paint for grocery lists, messages, or perhaps a calendar. In the meantime, I can make do with upcycled vintage frames with a chalkboard center. I love this vintage green and gold frame chalkboard.

What have you upcycled?